How to tell if a Kenmore refrigerator compressor is bad?
If your Kenmore refrigerator 59673509201 runs but won’t cool, repeatedly clicks while trying to start, or the compressor area gets very hot with little or no cooling, the compressor or its start circuit is failing. Use the sound and troubleshooting guidance in the 59673509201 owner's manual to separate normal noises from a no-cool problem.
Look for a pattern of symptoms, not just one:
- Freezer and fresh food sections both stay warm while the unit runs
- Repeated clicking as the compressor tries to start, then stops
- Loud humming followed by shutdown (overload trip)
- Compressor runs almost nonstop but temperatures barely change
- Little to no vibration from the compressor when it should be running
These issues can mimic compressor failure:
- Heavy frost on the freezer back wall (often a defrost problem)
- Evaporator fan not moving air through the refrigerator
- Dirty condenser area causing long run times and weak cooling
- Recent move: the manual advises letting the refrigerator sit upright about 30 minutes before plugging in so oil returns to the compressor
| What you observe | Most likely direction | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking, won’t start | Start device/overload or compressor | Have the start circuit and compressor electrically tested |
| Runs constantly, still warm | Sealed system or compressor not pumping | Technician diagnosis required |
| Solid frost sheet | Defrost system issue | Check defrost components and airflow |
If you see heavy frost or poor airflow, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator adaptive defrost board W11227239 (defrost not clearing frost)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 12002744 (no airflow from freezer)
A true compressor or sealed-system failure keeps both compartments warm and can spoil food quickly; ruling out defrost and airflow problems first prevents unnecessary, expensive repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
To tell what model Kenmore refrigerator you have, look for the model and serial number sticker inside the fresh food (refrigerator) section. For Kenmore model 59673509201, the Use & Care Guide specifies the sticker is on the left wall of the refrigerator compartment; confirm the full number before ordering parts or checking features in the owner's manual.
Check these common locations first (in this order):
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left side wall (most common for this Kenmore series)
- On the ceiling of the fresh food section near the light housing
- Behind or beside a crisper drawer (you may need to slide the drawer out)
- Behind the lower kick plate or toe grille (some installations)
Kenmore refrigerator model numbers are typically a long number string. For this bottom-mount platform, you may see similar models listed together in documentation (for example, 596.73502201, 596.73503201, 596.73504201, 596.73509201). Match the entire model number on the sticker to avoid ordering the wrong door gasket, ice maker, or control part.
| What you see | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Model starts with 596 | Use the full model number to look up the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Sticker is readable but worn | Take a photo, zoom in, and write down the full model and serial |
| Sticker missing or damaged | Check the owner's manual and compare features (ice maker, dispenser, door style) to narrow the exact model |
Once you confirm 59673509201, you can order common replacements from the parts list for that model, such as the refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q or the refrigerator switch W11396033. If you are searching across multiple Kenmore models, we also list parts by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
The model number determines the exact fit and wiring style for parts like the ice maker assembly, evaporator fan motor, adaptive defrost board, and door gaskets. Using the correct model number prevents returns and helps your refrigerator cool and dispense water properly.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking water out of the bottom?
Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore 59673509201 bottom-mount refrigerator is typically caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain, or a drip from the water supply line, valve, or ice maker. Start by checking for freezer ice buildup and any wet tubing at the rear.
- Freezer floor ice sheet: points to a defrost drain backup.
- Puddle location: front/center usually drain related; back/bottom often water line or valve.
- Door closing and gaskets: poor sealing lets humid air in, increasing frost and meltwater.
- Ice maker connected: leaks often show up after a fill cycle.
- Tubing type: the manual recommends copper; plastic tubing is more likely to seep or crack.
A blocked drain prevents defrost water from reaching the drain pan; it overflows, refreezes, then melts and leaks out the base.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove freezer bins/drawer to access the rear freezer panel area.
- Melt ice with warm towels or a hair dryer on low.
- Flush the drain opening with warm water until it drains freely.
For panel locations and access steps specific to 59673509201, use the 59673509201 owner's manual.
Use the symptom guide below to narrow it down.
| Symptom | Most likely source | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Water near back/bottom | Supply line or inlet valve | Loose fittings, cracked tubing, slow drip |
| Leak after ice maker runs | Ice maker/fill tube | Misaligned fill, ice blockage, seepage |
| Slow flow, small cubes | Low water pressure | Confirm 20 to 100 PSI; 35 PSI minimum with filter |
If the leak is coming from the ice maker assembly itself, replacement is a dependable repair; see refrigerator ice maker D7824706Q.
Stopping the leak prevents recurring freezer ice buildup, temperature swings, and floor damage.
You can order model-matched parts from the parts list for Kenmore 59673509201, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





